I always think that it’s such a sad thing to talk about Self-Defense Tools for Runners. The fact that they are necessary makes me both angry and sad. Yet, we hear the stories of runners being attacked over and over again. The recent abduction and murder of Eliza Fletcher shows that not much has changed. I was also attacked many years ago, so I know how frightening it can be (and how long the effects can last).
My friend Wendy expressed her feelings about women’s running and safety much better than I can, though my feelings mirror hers. Here is her post. She recommends the Go Guarded Self-Defense Ring. Check her post for details.
This post contains affiliate links.
A runner has every right to defend herself when she fears bodily injury or worse, but there are a few things to think about before arming yourself with one of these self-defense tools for runners.
Sadly, runners can be at risk when they are running alone. Here are some self-defense tools for runners, including the @defenderring, that you can use to defend yourself. #running #selfdefenseClick To TweetFirst, check the laws in your state before arming yourself with self-defense tools. Many states have laws or permit requirements for some.
Next, avoiding a dangerous situation is the best way to survive, so follow all of the running safety tips I have shared in this post. In a nutshell, staying alert, lighting yourself up, or running with a friend (or 10), are all better than having to physically defend yourself.
Third, you’re a runner. Quite often, running away is the best option (that’s what I did all those years ago).
Whatever Self-Defense too you choose, be sure to get training in how to use it. That includes taking a self-defense class in case you have nothing but your own hands (and feet).
Finally, if you are in a situation where you are fighting for your life, don’t hold back. Don’t be afraid to use as much force as necessary to protect yourself.
Self-Defense Tools for Runners
Defender Ring
I learned about the Defender Ring earlier this year and I was intrigued. I loved the idea that an attractive piece of jewelry can actually save my life! Defender Ring sent me two rings to try out. The first, the newest offering, is a stackable fashion ring, with an openly displayed sharp point, which is soft to the touch but can quickly become a weapon on a fisted, punching hand.
The other ring I received was the Rose Z Maximalist ring. It’s a beautiful, rose gold ring that packs a punch when you quickly screw off the rose and, voila, reveal the 10 mm serrated edge knife beneath. Not only can this weapon ward off an attacker, but the serrated blade edge can also saw through a rope or zip tie in the case of a captive situation. It is fierce enough to cause significant injury to your attacker and can even gather DNA for potential help in identifying him.
There is also the Minimalist Ring. If you prefer a smaller style, the minimalist Ring hides a five-inch blade, which is still capable of causing injury (and capturing DNA).
There are many styles to choose from. In addition to the Rose, you can choose from onyx, cobalt, jade, pearl, plumeria, and more, all in either minimalist or maximalist. They come with steel, 14k gold, and rose gold plating, so you have many options. While the Defender Ring is great for runners, it’s a self-defense tool that can be available wherever you are.
You can save 10% on your Defender Ring by using this link. Use the code COACHDEBBIERUNS at checkout.
Pepper Spray/Mace
Pepper Spray has been my go-to self-defense tool for a long time. I use this Sabre Pepper spray which has a little hand strap that makes it easy to carry.
Stun Gun
This Sabre Stun Gun comes with a flashlight and has been tested to ensure reliable protection. It’s rechargeable and small enough to slip into a pocket, and has safety features to make sure you don’t fire until you’re ready.
Personal Alarm
The Safesound Personal Alarm has several features to increase your protection. It is an ear-piercing 130 DB personal alarm and has an SOS feature that will both flash the LED light and sound the alarm. It can also be used as a stand-alone flashlight. It can be useful to both scare off your attacker and alert anyone nearby.
I recently saw a Facebook ad for She’s Birdie, another personal alarm. I haven’t tried it but the ad says it features a very loud 138 DB personal alarm, flashing lights, and is very easy to activate. They say it’s as loud as a jet engine flying 100 feet overhead! It’s also available on Amazon in case you don’t trust Facebook ads.
Your Hands
There may be a time when you are in danger and don’t have a self-defense tool at hand. No, wait! Yes, you do. You have your hands (or your feet or knees). I’d definitely recommend taking a self-defense course which will give you tips and help you feel confident about your abilities. Remember, though, men who are attacking you are prepared for you to try to kick them in the groin (though you should take it if you have a clear opening). Instead, try using the heel of your hand to strike upwards into your attacker’s nose or throat. Or use your fingers to poke at their eyes. Here are some more tips for using your hands to protect yourself from an attacker.
It’s normal to feel a little squeamish about the idea of hand-to-hand combat, but remember, your life may be on the line.
Gun
No recommendations here because I’m not a gun person but in every group conversation I’ve been in about self-defense tools for runners there are always a few people who say that they run with a gun. If you choose to do so, make sure to do it legally and do some research to find the right gun. And again, how to use it safely and effectively.
Tiger Lady
Tiger Lady is a light, discreet, and fierce self-defense tool for runners. While it fits easily into a purse or pocket, runners can easily hold it in their hands while they run. If you sense danger, simply squeeze to expose the retractable claws. Bonus benefit: the claws are designed to capture DNA for potential assistance in identifying the attacker.
Garmin
My Garmin Venu (and many other models) has a couple of features that can help to keep you safe. Live Track will send an email to your selected recipients when you start a run so that they can track where you are and when to expect you to finish your run.
Your Garmin can also notify your selected recipients when you are in danger. After setting it up, the press of a button can notify them when you are in trouble and send them a link to your location so they can notify the appropriate authorities.
I hope that you will never have to use any of these Self-Defense Tools for Runners, but I know that I feel much more comfortable running knowing that I am prepared for any circumstance where my life is at risk.
Do you carry a self-defense tool when you run?
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, Laura, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
It’s so sad that we have to share posts of all these self-defense tools, isn’t it? And that a similar post I wrote years ago is still one of my most popular posts. We can only wish for a time when women aren’t targets for violence. It’s definitely good to be prepared and as I always advise other women runners, you have to be able to use the tool you choose to carry.
Thanks for sharing the link to my post! Since I run alone almost exclusively, I have a lot of time to think about these things.
Same here (about running alone) but I generally forget my thoughts as soon as I’m done running. 🙂
I’ve been so sad and mad this past week. And mad especially at the victim blamers. Like it was her fault for daring to run early in the morning. And wear just shorts and a sports bra! Ugh!
In one of my FB groups a women told the story of when she was running (just the other day) at about 11:00 am. A man started following her in his car, and said things about how beautiful she was. She was smart and ran to a house where the person let her in and allowed her to calm down. But now she’s scared. Proving, among other things, that the dark really doesn’t have everything to do with it.
Thanks for this, Debbie!
I definitely need to improve on this. I often go running without even carrying a phone or a RoadID. In Switzerland, I feel extremely safe. But even here women and young girls have been attacked, usually by people who have mental issues.
Better be safe than sorry!
It’s sad to say but there are bad people even in safe places. I tend to run alone but in the daylight. I do carry my phone (and wear my Road ID) but I don’t take a lot of other precautions. It’s different if I run early in the morning. I’ve got all those self-defense tools!
It is sad that we have to keep talking about this. Personally, I would not be comfortable carrying any type of weapon. I believe they can easily be used against you by someone. The alarm might be helpful though if you can get to it. I am grateful to have running buddies for 99% of my runs and that is my best defense
I wish this wasn’t a subject of a post.
It’s real and if you feel unsafe on your runs, these are important.
I have my phone, Apple watch and my body… doesn’t sound like much but I never run in places where there are not a lot of other runners, bikers or walkers. I don’t run in the dark and if possible I run with a friend.
Thanks for offering these suggestions.
I hate that this is a topic we need to talk about so much. I use my old Garmin for LiveTrack even though I run with a Coros watch now. And I carry pepper spray gel and a personal alarm.
I use the live track and safety features on my Garmin and have emergency contacts loaded in case something happens. It will send an alarm text to them with my last known location which is nice. I’ve also run with pepper spray before. Those fist things and the rings look interesting. A good way to conceal something but have it be useful. I’m also not a gun person. I worry something like that could be used against me more than it would help me.